Beachwalker Park in Kiawah Island, South Carolina

bytwardlaw

Want to take the family on an inexpensive beach vacation that will be memorable and make you look like a genius? Think South Carolina. It has miles and miles of coastline and is so easy to get to you’ll wonder why you kept that Caribbean island brochure next to your bed for so long.

Plus, that’s just it – this is America. This means convenience for a lot of people, but for some reason Americans take a little more pride in their surroundings (namely beach parks) than most we’ve been to on our treks. Just sayin’…

Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, South Carolina got Dr. Beach’s nod for the number 8 beach of 2010 in America. And if you know a little about South Carolina, you’ll know it’s one of the best places to play golf and tennis. With the layout of the barrier islands around the Carolinas there are literally dozen of nature walks and kayak and canoe paths where you can see thousands of birds and other wildlife. But let’s get to the beach.

Beachwalker Park is a small part of the great Kiawah beach area. The nice thing about it is that along with its beauty, there are restrooms, lifeguards, and a snack bar in the summer. The park is designed for families with a nice walk area along what is called Captain Sam’s Spit.

Here you will see nature at its finest with untouched beach and shoreline. And if you can bring your bike, you’ll have even more fun as there are trails that take you just about everywhere on Kiawah. If you want to park in the park, there is a $7 fee. The best beaches in South Carolina are many and Beachwalker is a prime example. We’ve rarely met people more friendly, more accommodating than the South Carolinians. If you’re ever in a pinch here – know that you’ll be taken care of if you simply ask for help.

Memorial Day fills the park and unless you come very early, you won’t find parking.

Beachwalker Park beach is clean and the view is beautiful. When you’re up for eating, Kiawah Island has many restaurants to try out. We enjoyed the Fresh Market Village Shoppes and again, the bike trails make everything fun, if you bring a bike. If you don’t – there is a bike shop on the island that rents bikes. If you have the time, there is also a kayak rental near the bike shop.

Cottages and resorts fill up quickly around holidays, but call around to get a good price. Beachwalker Park is worth a visit and is why Dr. Beach put it on his list this year.

Beach Index:

– Atlantic beach with compacted tan sand
– Rent or bring a bike, many trails that are fun
– Stay a week or longer if you can
– Family fun beach with facilities